Retirement Wishes for Paul Robson

Paul Robson was born in Sunderland and at 16 was chosen to play with the National Youth Orchestra and later gained a BA (Hons) in Music at Lancaster University, before taking a postgraduate course at Guildhall School of Music & Drama. After two years teaching the violin in schools, he took lessons with Nicholas Roth and joined the Roth String Quartet. The Quartet appeared regularly on BBC Radio 3 and at the Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room. They gained prizes at the Portsmouth String Quartet competition and the European Broadcasting Union competition, Salzburg, as well as receiving coaching from Peter Schidlof and William Pleeth.

Paul was also a successful freelancer and was appointed Principal Second of the London Mozart Players before joining the Second Violin section of the LSO. He has appeared in many folk festivals with his wife Tina and son Sam. Paul’s interests include cycling, gardening, DIY, playing folk fiddle, good food and model railways.

From Julián Gil Rodríguez, Principal Second Violin

Paul – from the cycle rides to the memorable concerts we shared, I want to thank you for your welcoming and easy-going nature. You are a true rock of the Second Violin section and your presence will be truly missed. I will be personally grateful for your encouraging words when needed – cycling overnight to Dunwich or trying to survive late concerts in the south of Spain. Enjoy the next ride wherever it takes you!

From Belinda McFarlane, Second Violin

It really is the end of an era, as we mark Paul’s final concert as a Member of the LSO. Paul is a fantastic violinist, musician and colleague. I have happily shared a desk with him in our Second Violin section for many a memorable concert, and it is always a joy due to his wonderful musicianship and collaborative performance style – quite simply a joy! Paul has a wide range of interests outside orchestral playing; chamber music, folk music (and baking!) to name a few. His mince pies and ‘special recipe’ chocolate cake are always the first to be greedily demolished at the infamous LSO Second Violin Christmas parties. He will be sorely missed for so many reasons, and we wish him continuing joy with his family, and in his musical – and culinary! – adventures going forward. Thanks for everything Paul.

From Andrew Pollock, Second Violin

A fine violinist with a wealth of experience both as an orchestral principal and quartet player, Paul was a great addition to our section in the early 1990s. We soon discovered that we had a lot in common, being the same age and fellow Northeners with a similar sense of humour. We both enjoy walking and on tour always found time for this, whatever continent we were on, followed by refreshment from our carefully curated global directory of locals’ restaurants and bars. What have we talked about for 35 years? Most things, but quite a lot of football and beer!

From Amanda Truelove, Cello

Paul joined the LSO from the intimacy of the string quartet. Over many years, I have enjoyed the pleasure of playing chamber concerts with him at LSO St Luke’s. I will treasure these memories, alongside many more with him as a devoted and focused member of the Orchestra. His sense of commitment has been second to none and he can certainly look back over his career with a huge sense of pride and satisfaction.

Best wishes for your retirement Paul, from everyone at the LSO!